Defying Normalization: Labels and names

As often as you're told you have bipolar disorder, it's hard not to make it your identity. However it's important to remember you are a person first and "normal" isn't normal if you ask me. The way other people live is insane as far as I can tell, so is society.

Very few have values; very few have their priorities straight; very few know what they want out of life. Being bipolar means you've had to face the truth, about your illness, about yourself in therapy. I don't think that hurts.

Our priorities are considered. We put our mental health first. There are plenty of "normal" people who have mental illness and are undiagnosed. Because they're still functional, because they get by, they never get treatment, they seldom know why they behave the way they do.

I don't want to be normalized. I don't want to be like other people. The very idea is appalling to me. Yes, we are different - different in a good way. It's nuts to want anything different from who you are.

Although I live a very mainstreamed life and that is important for me. It is unnecessary for us all to hang out. We actually know each other even if we are strangers. I have friends, I've never met. There are other people I wish I hadn't. None of those I would rather not know are bipolar.

Abusive people have mood swings too. They move from affection to rage within minutes. Many of them can't accept no for an answer and are like babies when they don't get what they want.

Some of the time, you would be willing to do anything to get out of the pain and depression. The thing about that is, it won't last forever. "Normal" people in pain never get out.

I have come to the conclusion we are fortunate. Be wise enough to recognize that.